On September 3, the family of the late Deacon Larry James Brown, MP for North Abaco Renardo Curry, and local members of the Assembly of God, gathered at Camp Abaco for the naming of the camp’s cafeteria to “Larry Brown Cafeteria.”

Camp Abaco Cafeteria Renamed to Honour Brown

On September 3, the family of the late Deacon Larry James Brown, MP for North Abaco Renardo Curry, and local members of the Assembly of God, gathered at Camp Abaco for the naming of the camp’s cafeteria to “Larry Brown Cafeteria.”

It was a formal ceremony, with many of those who had known the evangelist remembering his contribution to the camp.

As stated by Mr. Robert Cornea “Brother Bob,” the camp would not be here today if Larry Brown had not rebuilt it after it was destroyed by Hurricane Floyd. He also added that the Deacon from Eufaula, Alabama, must have made at least 37 trips to Abaco over the years.

A plumber by trade, Brown regularly sent plumbing supplies to the camp, since 1971, when it was only a temporary structure on the ground of Boat Harbour and then again when the facility was moved to Bahamas Coral Island as well as when it was finally built as a permanent structure in its present location.

The ceremony started early afternoon with welcome and invocation, after which Pastor Stafford Symonette, Director of the Camp, acknowledged the presence of Brown’s family as well as the other members of the audience, expressing his regrets that the man in whose name the dedication was made, was not there as he had passed away the previous May.

“His contribution was not only to Camp Abaco, but also to the young people of The Bahamas. He transformed lives throughout The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos,” Pastor Symonette said.

Bother Bob who had run the camp with his wife, Phyllis, from 1978 to 2006, then read a profile of Brother Larry, itemizing year by year the support provided by Brown. Brown helped with constructing additions, rebuilding damaged structures, constantly updating the camp equipment, participating in the construction of the Chapel and the cafeteria.

“Without Brother Larry Brown’s dedicated and committed assistance (without pay), we might not have had the camp facilities we have now. He was our strong motivator,” Brother Bob said.

In his remarks, MP Renardo Curry reminisced on the times he visited the camp as a boy, experiencing spirituality. He said he remembered how dedicated Larry Brown was to his Ministry and how he always brought light to this facility. He thanked the people who continue his work.

A commemorative plaque was then presented to Sister Joyce Brown.

The Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, gave a history of the Assembly of God and its mission towards young children, before inviting the assembly to gather outside for the unveiling of the sign on top of the cafeteria door. The veil was pulled out by one of Brother Brown’s son. The family then proceeded to sprinkle some of the ashes of the Deacon over the grounds of the camp before returning inside the Larry Brown Cafeteria to partake in a luncheon at tables set with white table clothes and purple napkins.